Mpls Area Synod ELCA

Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal
2024-10-17 10:00 - 2024-10-19 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal
The 2024 Addiction & Faith Conference, “Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Faith to Heal,” is hosted by the Center of Addiction and Faith. It will be 100% virtual this year.
October 17-19, 2024
Virtual
This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction. It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice, and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy and lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. We strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. This is the Center’s sixth annual conference.
The link to the conference website and to register. https://web.cvent.com/event/ece6a436-2893-470c-a8cc-103433b79ba4/summary

The Center for the Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The Center for the Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy
A one-hour free webinar online where attendees will learn about The Center for The Restoration of Behaviorally-Impaired Clergy (CRIC) led by the Rev. Otto Schultz, hosted by the Rev. George A. Wood, and presented by The Center of Addiction and Faith. The purpose of CRIC is to support church governing bodies as they assist their clergy whose struggles with behavioral health impact their ministries. Some governing bodies are well-balanced in their approach while others are punitive or overly tolerant. Similarly, the quality of care for the congregants served by these clergy and their immediate families also varies widely. Rev. Otto Schultz will tell folks about CRIC and its goal.
Wednesday, October 30; Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Online
More information: http://www.addictionandfaith.com

PAUSE before and after the election
2024-10-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
PAUSE before and after the election
Westwood Lutheran invites the public to join with congregants for PAUSE: Prayer Around the U.S. Elections, a candlelit service designed to welcome people from all spiritual traditions and political backgrounds. It offers a peaceful space to step back from the noise in order to sing, listen, and draw strength from being in community with others during this significant time.
Pre-election: Wednesday, October 30; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Post-election: Wednesday, November 13; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Westwood Lutheran Church
9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park
No RSVP required; donations are welcome but not required.

"World of Difference" Women's Gathering
2024-11-02 08:30 - 16:00 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Dr. Jacqueline Bussie
Join WELCA for Women’s Gathering: World of Difference

Connect with other Twin Cities women over coffee and interactive, guided sessions and renewal worship

Explore your impact with dozens of Explore Stations related to social justice and spiritual growth speakers and ministry partners to teach and inspire you to the action that is right for you in this season of life
​Enjoy coffee, breakfast and lunch, complimentary massage therapy and healing touch, shopping at the Fair-Trade Global Market, Music with Rachel Kurtz
Learn choose from interactive sessions that will inspire faithful living that honors creation and humanity
Be inspired by our Keynote Speaker Dr. Jacqueline Bussie—award winning author of “Love without limits: Jesus Radical Vision for Love with NO Exceptions”
There will be a kids program with puppet shows, STEAM activities, and more.

Pay what you can. Register at www.mplswomenofelca.org

New Frontier Lutheran Radio Show with Bishop Jen Nagel
2024-11-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
New Frontier Lutheran Radio Show with Bishop Jen Nagel
The big election is over [note the event date] but the outcome is in doubt. Who will be the new congregational president of New Frontier Lutheran Church? Hilarity ensues in this modern rendition of a classic “radio” comedy show. With special guest Rev. Jen Nagel, the newly elected Bishop of the Minneapolis Synod. Staffed nursery available. Community meal served at 5:30 pm.
Wednesday, November 6; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Community meal at 5:30 p.m.
Diamond Lake Lutheran Church
5760 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis
Free and all are welcome.

Inspired Life: Alison Young
2024-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Inspired Life: Alison Young
Alison Young, former world-class musician and classic music radio host, and now hiker, podcaster, and speaker, will weave together insights into music, hiking, and her own personal journey. Alison will be joining us on the heels of her first TEDx talk in October.
Tuesday, November 12; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota
For more information: https://www.allsaintsmtka.org/inspiredlife
Contact: All Saints main office at aslc@allsaintsmtka.org or (952) 934-3550

PAUSE after the election
2024-11-13 18:30 - 19:15 | Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN, 55426, United States
PAUSE after the election
Westwood Lutheran invites the public to join with congregants for PAUSE: Prayer Around the U.S. Elections, a candlelit service designed to welcome people from all spiritual traditions and political backgrounds. It offers a peaceful space to step back from the noise in order to sing, listen, and draw strength from being in community with others during this significant time.
Post-election: Wednesday, November 13; 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., service; 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., meal
Westwood Lutheran Church
9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park
No RSVP required; donations are welcome but not required.

Family Drama Trauma: Navigating the Holidays
2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Family Drama Trauma: Navigating the Holidays
Caroline Beidler, MSW, and her mother Diana Dalles, MSSW, authors of the book, You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree, will join host George A. Wood at this free one-hour webinar presented by the Center of Addiction and Faith.
The holiday season can bring up all sorts of family drama — or family trauma. Family hurt and trauma is real. Caroline and Diana will suggest how to prepare for holiday drama, … and begin healing from your family trauma. Transformation is possible and healing is a choice. Caroline’s experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery inspires her to use her gifts to help others find recovery in all its varying forms.
Tuesday, November 26; 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6E9jMFBxQXG2gChZFFyrQQ#/
For more information: http://www.addictionandfaith.com
This event is hosted by the Center of Addition and Faith.

Inspired Life: Erinn Frees
2024-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 | All Saints Lutheran Church Minnetonka, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Inspired Life: Erinn Frees
Erinn Frees, MA, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist at Children’s Minnesota who brings years of experience and insights into the power of music to bring healing and hope to all ages. Leave with insights into the power of music and how you can draw upon it in your own life to find renewal and healing.
Tuesday, December 3; 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church
15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, Minnesota
For more information: https://www.allsaintsmtka.org/inspiredlife
Contact: All Saints main office at aslc@allsaintsmtka.org or (952) 934-3550

Lessons + Carols for Weary Leaders
2024-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Neu Neu, 514 N 3rd St #101, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Church Anew is inviting rostered leaders from the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods for a restorative service of lessons and carols with Holy Communion based on the O Antiphons. We will provide the words and the way; all you need to do is be present. During this weary and weighty season in the church and in our world, come be fed, nourished, and renewed for the work of leading in this time.

Conspirare Christmas Concert
2024-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Conspirare Christmas Concert
The renowned Grammy®-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare is bringing their captivating Christmas concert to Minnesota for the first time. Come share a holiday tradition experienced and cherished by tens of thousands since its debut. Minnesota native, Craig Hella Johnson, and his company of voices are comprised of accomplished musicians from around the country, selected to come together to rehearse, perform, and record.
Wednesday, December 11; 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conspirare-christmas-concert-tickets-1000969947057

Caritas Concert to Support Cherish All Children
2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St N, St. Paul, MN, United States
‘Twas the Night – Caritas Concert to Support Cherish All Children
Join Cherish All Children for an afternoon of Christmas mystery and joy with musical stories performed by Caritas Vocal Ensemble.

Sunday December 15, 3:00 p.m. with treats following
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St. N, Saint Paul
Suggested donation $25 online or at the door

Your contribution allows us to reach children and families with education, tools and skills to stay safe from in-person and online exploitation, sextortion, and trafficking. Join us to make a difference!
Contact joy.mcelroy@cherishallchildren.org with any questions.

Brew 'n Carols Housing Fundraiser
2024-12-15 18:00 - 20:00 | La Dona’s Cerveceria, 241 Fremont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
Brews ‘n Carols Fundraiser hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church boasts performances by Alyssa Schwitzer, Kent Goodroad and Traiveon Dunlap from the Redeemer Worship Band and other special guests. Attendees will participate in a sing-along at La Doña Cervecería from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, December 15. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door (include a drink of choice up to $10). This fun event is a fundraiser to support and sustain Affordable Housing.
WAYS TO GIVE:
A portion of your ticket will go to our Housing Appeal
Drop a cash donation in the Jar to Request a song
Twist of Night- Drop a cash donation in the Jar to SKIP A REQUEST – “If you loathe a song, make a donation to NOT hear it!”
Donate at our Silent Auction
Make a charitable contribution ahead of time via check or online
Raise your glass. Raise your voice. GOAL FOR APPEAL: $45,000
Tickets + Info: https://www.redeemermpls.org/beer-carols
Questions? Contact Pastor Jen Collins, 612.767.3512 or Pastor@redeemermpls.org

Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Service
2024-12-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Service presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith.
In the midst of this long dark season when much of nature seems dead and lifeless, we look for the light of hope. “A light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” And yet, sometimes the light of hope can seem pretty dim and the darkness very real. We offer this virtual candlelight service designed for those who may not be feeling the happiness and joy that this season calls for. For some of us, the Christmas season is more than difficult. We gather to acknowledge the pain you may be feeling and to plead for help and hope and light from out of the darkness.
Register >

Tapestry's New Music and End of Year Celebration
2024-12-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Richfield VFW Post 5555, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
La banda de Tapestry va a estrenar su musica nueva y quedas invitado/a!
You are invited to come listen and sing with Tapestry’s band as they play their new music!
Alabanza/Worship & Comida/Food
Musica por/by:

Harold Torrence
Original Musica con la banda de Tapestry/Original music with Tapestry’s band
Karaoke

Tickets:
$10 in advance/$12 at the door
$5/kids

This event is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, MI, with funds provided by Lily Endowment Inc.
*Ven un rato o quedate todo el tiempo!/Come for awhile or stay the entire time!

Opening Service of the Mindekirken's Bicentennial Year
2025-01-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church / Mindekirken, 924 E. 21st Street, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Former presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Rev. Mark Hanson, will preach at the opening service of the 2025 Bicentennial Year. Service featuring hymns from Gracia Grindal’s new hymnal. This event commemorates the first Norwegian immigrants in 1825.
More information at mindekirken.org.

Group Book Study: You Are Not Your Trauma
2025-01-07 12:00 - 2025-01-28 13:00 | Online
Join Center of Addiction and Faith for a book study with addiction recovery expert Caroline Beidler. Beidler’s book, You Are Not Your Trauma: Uproot Unhealthy Patterns, Heal the Family Tree, will help you identify unhealthy patterns that keep you stuck… and live more freely without your trauma – or your family’s trauma – holding you back. Through personal stories, Beidler provides a framework for healing. Even if you can join the book study for one or two Tuesdays in January, you are encouraged to register.
Registration information >

Webinar: A Season of Renewal: Embracing Dry January
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Rob Lee from Choose Your Horizon will be our webinar guest to talk with host Rev. George A Wood about Dry January and strategies for taking a month-long break from drinking alcohol, including using Naltrexone and Ketamine as a way to quit or moderate your use.
The link to register is: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__oerr8JaQhSORTAJ28AfkQ

Screenagers: Elementary School Edition
2025-01-12 12:30 - 14:30 | Faith Lutheran, Forest Lake, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Faith Lutheran and Cherish All Children invite you to join us for this film and discussion to support our young children. No ticket needed, just come!
WHEN: Sunday, January 12, 12:30-2:30, lunch provided
WHERE: Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN
WHO: Parents & Grands, Caregivers, Elementary school youth, Sunday School & School Teachers, Pastors and all supportive adults
This film addresses issues that elementary school kids, parents, and educators are facing regarding phones, smartwatches, video gaming, social media pressures, online bullying, exposure too young, and the vulnerabilities this creates for young children. Come and explore solutions together.
Reach out to deborah@ptrson.com with questions.

SPAS/MAS Children’s Gathering
2025-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
The next SPAS/MAS Children’s Gathering is Monday, January 13 at 1pm via zoom (Meeting ID: 830 5055 4116, Passcode: [REDACTED]
Topic: Fun ways to involve parents/caregivers in their child’s faith journey.
Bring ideas to share!
Contact Rachelle Gill, rgill@easter.org, with questions.

JUSTmove Lock-In
2025-01-19 13:00 - 2025-01-20 07:00 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
JUSTmove Lock-In
The JUSTmove Lock-In is back at Woodlake Lutheran on January 19 at 1:00 p.m. to January 20 at 7:00 a.m.! Youth from all over the Twin Cities will come together for a justice themed Lock-In for all. The focus will be on being one body with many members. They will have an inflatables, games, JUSTmove Presentation, delicious dinner, and more. All 6th-9th-grade youth and their friends are invited to attend. 10th-12th graders are invited to participate as leaders (leadership training will happen at the beginning of the event). Come as you are for as long as you’d like.
More information is available on the registration form >
January 19, 1:00 p.m. — January 20 7:00 a.m.
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th Street, Richfield, Minnesota
Contact: Rachel Larson, Richfield Area Lutheran Youth Director, rlarson@hoplc.org or (612) 409-7275

Walking Together for Hope and Healing
2025-01-22 08:00 - 2025-02-06 17:00 | Travel, Bangladesh
Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh (LHCB) is a combined women’s and children’s health care and empowerment project started by Minneapolis Area Synod members 30 years ago. Join with organizational leaders on a trip to LHCB in southern Bangladesh to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Visit LHCB’s clinic and hospital, preschool, women’s groups, agricultural projects to learn about engagement in this deeply Muslim country.
January 22 – February 6, 2025
Young adult scholarships are available!
Join in friendship, learning, worship, and celebration with staff and community. Help envision the future of global mission. All Are welcome; scholarships available for global-minded next generation/young adults.
Contact Pastor Stephanie Friesen, Central Lutheran Church, at (612) 767-9203 or sfriesen@centralmpls.org with questions.

The Faith Community’s Call to Caregiving
2025-01-23 18:00 - 20:00
With recent emphasis on aging in place, the faith community is in a key position to answer the call to be or assist caregivers. Faith community nurses are uniquely equipped to meet this call by developing programs, educational initiatives, research, and policymaking. Information, tools, and resources about integrating an age-friendly vision of caregiving with the faith community will be provided.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session:

Participants will identify four potential ways faith community nurses can support family caregivers.
Participants will be able to articulate two barriers to caregiver support in the faith community
Participants will identify two ways in which caregivers become disconnected from the faith community because of caregiving responsibilities

DATE: January 23, 2025
TIME: 3-5 pm AKT, 4-6 pm PT, 5-7 pm MT, 6-8 pm CT, 7-9 pm ET
Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/$50 for non-members
Nursing Contact hours provided: 2.0 (see below)
More information >

Empowering Communication Workshops for Clergy
2025-01-27 | Online
Six Empowering Communication Workshops for Clergy are being offered January 27 – February 28, on five different days (workshops 1 & 2 are offered on the same day)
1 & 2) Foundational Skills and Self-Care
3) Bridging Deep Divides
4) Lead from the Heart
5) Embody the Gospel: Facilitate Dialogue, Mediate Conflict, Achieve Reconciliation
6) Liberate the Power of Love: Facilitate Restorative Circles that Heal, Strengthen, and Empower Congregations
Facilitators: Rev. Joel Westby and Rev. Leslie Ritter-Jenkins
Information and registration >

"What Now - Resources for Faith Communities After Executive Orders" webinar
2025-01-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
In light of the recent Executive Orders that impact our immigrant neighbors and the lifted protection for ‘sensitive locations’ such as faith communities, schools, and hospitals, Global Refuge and the ELCA’s AMMPARO team are co-hosting a webinar called What Now – Resources for Faith Communities After Executive Orders.
This webinar will provide high-level overviews of some of the executive orders, and cover congregational resources that are currently available to faith communities and others who are engaged in the welcome.
Thursday, January 30 | 3:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. EST) Online
Registration is required >

Music That Makes Community One-Day Community Singing Workshop
2025-02-01 09:30 - 16:00 | Pilgrim Lutheran Church, St Paul, 1935 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN, United States
Music that Makes Community is excited to offer a One-Day workshop at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. Experienced MMC facilitators will offer a lively day of singing, learning, and community building. No special talents required – just a love of music and fellowship. Singers of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels are warmly welcomed to participate!
Join them for a renewing day of building community through singing, learning, and fellowship. During the time together we’ll:
– Explore a practice of paperless (oral tradition) singing leadership grounded in a spirit of welcome and generosity;
– Engage models of teaching and leading that welcome our bodies, hearts, and minds;
– Experience music reflective of the growing diversity of our communities and celebrating our rich spiritual and liturgical traditions;
– Build community and strengthen relationships through singing.
Each person will leave with new music to share, as well as experiences of learning and teaching songs applicable to their context. Choir directors, clergy, cantors, lay leaders, and all who love to sing are invited.
More information >
Contact Conie Borchardt or Pilgrim Lutheran Church with questions.

Cantata Vespers: Festival of the Presentation
2025-02-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Christ Church Lutheran, 3244 34th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Forty days after the birth of Christ, we pray with Simeon “Lord, now let your servant go in peace” as the church celebrates the festival of the Presentation of Our Lord, also known as Candlemas—the tradition of blessing and processing with candles. We gather in a service of evening prayer led by the Elm Ensemble and the Christ Church choir as we sing an ancient liturgy and experience music by Bach (Cantata 125, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin) and Elgar (The Snow). This event is free and open to the public—a freewill offering will be collected and a reception offered for all.
More information >

Survivors, a Six Points Theater Production
2025-02-05 18:30 - 19:45 | Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, 5760 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Diamond Lake Lutheran is excited to present a full performance of Survivors, a Six Points Theater production. This play about the Holocaust and standing up to hate weaves together the true, inspirational stories of ten Holocaust survivors whose ordinary and joyful young lives were transformed by the Nazi regime. Six professional actors will portray the ten survivors and other roles. Illustrating the risk of normalizing hate, this uplifting work impels us to take lessons from the past and think about how we can create a safer, more inclusive community.
More information >

Legal Witness Training
2025-02-06 18:30 - 20:30
The incoming administration has promised to deport millions of immigrants, starting in blue states. While the future is uncertain, Unidos is preparing to bear witness and act powerfully together to defend our communities.
Join this legal witness training to prepare to stand with immigrant communities, and participate in Unidos’ rapid response network.
More information >

SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
2025-02-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus, Minneapolis Campus, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Learn how to support someone’s desire for safety by recognizing the warning signs of suicide, identifying people who are at risk, and applying the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) to connect a person to suicide first aid resources. Listed on the national best practice registry, safeTALK allows time for both practice and discussion. safeTALK is based on research that shows people experiencing thoughts of suicide often send out subtle invitations to help them stay safe. This four-hour class is for members of the community over the age of 16 who want to learn and practice the basic best practices in suicide prevention. This class has been approved by the Board of Social Work to provide 4 CEU’s upon completion. Class is free but registration is required.
Eventbrite Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safetalk-registration-1115930260449?aff=oddtdtcreator
ADDITIONAL BONUS: Immediately after, for those who are interested, Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe will be speaking and leading conversation addressing the ways theology can interfere with healthy suicide prevention. She’s an expert and author of “The Lifesaving Church: Faith Communities and Suicide Prevention”, and we are so lucky to have her. If you plan on staying, email hannah@mhconnect.org who will be placing an order for lunch.
This event is sponsored by Mental Health Connect, is a collaborative of faith communities in the Twin Cities area.
